Appendicitis

Appendicitis is a common medico-surgical condition. Appendicitis is nothing but an

inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is a small pouch attached to the beginning of
the large intestine in the right lower part of the abdomen. Function of appendix is still not
understood; but it is largely considered to be almost a useless body organ. It is one of the
most common causes of emergency abdominal surgery in order to avoid rupture of the
appendix into the abdomen.

Types of appendicitis:
This can be categorized as under:

Acute appendicitis: This appears suddenly, and runs a short course, calling for
urgent attention and treatment; mostly surgical treatment.
Chronic appendicitis: As the name suggests, it is a long standing inflammation of
the appendix.
Recurring appendicitis: Appendix, if not removed, may have a tendency to get
inflamed and infected, again and again.

Chronic appendicitis
It is a sequel of acute appendicitis. In some patients the symptoms of appendicitis, are
less intense and continue for a long duration, they may be continuous or intermittent.
They may present as pain in the abdomen, which will be bothersome but not
incapacitating. The person may experience pain and abdominal discomfort in the right
iliac fossa.A partial obstruction of the appendix and milder bacterial infection are
generally responsible. They may settle down with a course of antibiotics, but resurface
again. This also indicates a lowered immune system.

Causes of appendicitis:
It usually occurs when the appendix becomes blocked by hard faecal (stool) matter,
undigested food, a foreign body or rarely a tumor. When the appendix is blocked, it
becomes inflamed due to swelling and ulceration of mucous membrane lining and results
in a condition termed appendicitis. If the blockage continues, the inflamed tissue becomes
infected with bacteria and begins to die from a lack of blood supply, which finally results
in the rupture of the appendix (perforated or ruptured appendix).
Infection in the gut or other parts of body may also inflame the appendix and cause
appendicitis.

Incidence:
It can affect any age group, more common age group is15-45.

Symptoms of appendicitis:

Pain in lower abdomen to start with.

Pain begins in the middle of the abdomen belly button" (umbilicus).
Pain slowly moves in the next 24 hours to the right lower abdomen (toward the
right iliac fossa).
Pain is unlike any pain felt before.
Pain is worse on motion, taking deep breath, coughing and sneezing.
Loss of appetite.
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Constipation or diarrhea.
Inability to pass gas.
Low grade fever.
Feeling that passing stool will relieve discomfort.
Abdominal swelling.

Similar conditions:
Other conditions that cause abdominal pain may have symptoms similar to the symptoms
of appendicitis:

Diagnosis of appendicitis:
Diagnosis can be made clinically by history of symptoms given by patient and by the
presence of the following signs on examining the patient.

Signs:
On examination, doctor can elicit tenderness in the right iliac fossa.
There can be rebound tenderness; it is the pain that is worse when the doctor quickly
releases his or her hand after gently pressing the area of tenderness on the abdomen.
Rectal examination
May disclose tenderness in the right side of pelvis.

Investigations:
Blood Count: may reveal leycocytosis. i.e. raised WBC count. X-rays- An x-ray can rule
out signs of obstruction or perforation of the GUT as cause of pain. In rare cases, an
appendicolith, which is hardened stool in the appendix, may be found and seen on the Xray. Ultrasound- An ultrasound may show appendiceal inflammation. CT scan- The most
common and reliable imaging test that is used to diagnose appendicitis is currently the
CT scan. The CT scan is excellent if there is doubt regarding the nature of the pain as it

can identify other common causes of pain in that region like -stone in the ureter, gallstones, ruptured tubal pregnancy. In appendicitis it shows the inflamed appendix quite
clearly.

Prevention:
A diet high in fiber and low in sugar is advisable to prevent constipation.

Conventional Treatment:
Appendectomy (surgical removal of appendix)

Homeopathic Management:
Homeopathy is indicated in the first day or the second day, in the early stage.
Homoeopathy may help some cases. However, acute appendicitis may turn out to be a
surgical condition, where homeopathy may not work. Acute appendicitis can be best
managed under proper supervision of a surgeon.
Homeopathy is indicated for the treatment of chronic and recurrent appendicitis. The
medicines help for complete recovery and strengthen the immunity. Every case of
appendicitis needs professional evaluation by an experienced homeopathic physician
before deciding if it is suitable for surgery or homeopathy.

Kidney stones.
Urinary tract infections.
Hernias.
Gall stones.
Colitis.